The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR) and we suggest you use a currency converter for the most up to date exchange rates. The following list gives a brief description of different modes of transaction.
Accessing Money
Credit/Debit Cards
- Inform your bank that you are traveling to India to avoid any trouble accessing money using your credit/debit cards when you are abroad.
- Modern 24-hour ATMs are found in most large towns and cities. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Plus. Credit cards are accepted at growing numbers of shops, up-market restaurants, and mid- range and top-end hotels.
- Away from major towns, always carry cash or travelers checks as backup. Always check in advance whether your card can access banking networks in India and ask for details of charges.
- Always keep the emergency lost-and-stolen numbers for your credit/debit cards in a safe place, separate from your cards, and report any loss or theft immediately.
Cash
- Major currencies such as US Dollar, British Pound and Euros are quite easy to change throughout India.
- Whenever changing money, check every note.
- Do not accept any ripped notes, as these may not be accepted as payment.
- Remember, you must present your passport whenever you change currency or travelers checks.
- Commission fees for foreign exchange are becoming increasingly rare; if they are charged, the fee is nominal.
- Try and keep a good amount of small notes (10, 20 rupees) on hand, as they can make smaller, street vendor transactions much easier. We can assist you with this.
International Transfers
- International transfers can be received via moneychangers affiliated with Moneygram or Western Union.
- Please note that a hefty fee is often added to the transaction.
- To collect cash, you will need your passport and the name and reference number of the person who sent the funds
Traveler’s Cheques
- All major brands are accepted in India, but some banks may only accept cheques from Amex and Thomas Cook.
- Charges for changing travelerscheques may vary from place to place and bank to bank.
- Always keep a record of the chequess’ serial numbers separate from your cheques, along with the proof-of-purchase slips, and encashment vouchers.
- To replace lost travelers checks, you need the proof-of-purchase slip and the numbers of the missing checks (some places require a photocopy of the police report and a passport photo).